DE HCR7

Recognizes and applauds Delaware hospitals' adoption of pulse oximetry screening for all newborns as a best practice in child and maternal health.

Acknowledges that approximately 4,800 babies born annually in the United States (11.6 per 10,000) have critical congenital heart defects (CCHDs) that require early intervention.

Notes that pulse oximetry screening conducted between 24-48 hours of age can identify newborns with critical congenital heart defects before discharge from the hospital.

Cites endorsements of the screening practice by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary's Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children.

Indicates that screening costs $5-$10 per infant and requires only 1-5 minutes per test.